A young Aberdeen fan who was nearly bullied out of football has received a “dream come true” boost from one of his Dons heroes.
Cameron Dalgarno, seven, was ready to pack in the game after being told he was too small and not good enough.
But when his mum, Ruth Dalgarno, posted on social media about her son’s troubles, hundreds of Dons supporters rallied behind the aspiring footballer, who plays for CBC Hilton 10s.
Her post was shared so widely it captured the attention of Dandies favourite Niall McGinn who told the Summerhill lad to “stay strong” and not give up on something he loved.
Makes me so sad to see this football daft little boy wanting to give up on the game he loves & not go to school because of one nasty little bully! Kids can be so cruel! Treat others how you want to be treated!! pic.twitter.com/IVgswWovYS
— Ruth Dalgarno ❤️ (@RuthDx) September 12, 2018
The Northern Ireland international then arranged for the season ticket holder to be a mascot last Saturday where he led the team out before their 1-0 win over Motherwell at Pittodrie.
Mrs Dalgarno said: “It was the support from the Aberdeen fans that helped change his mind and then to have one of the players reply was even more special.
“Saturday was just an extra boost for him, his dream is to be an Aberdeen player, so it was like a dream come true.
“It was fantastic for Niall to get involved. He’s one of the players Cameron has idolised and he wants to play in his position.
Stay strong young man. Don’t give up on something you love doing. These bullies or bully are not welcome anywhere. Hope to see you around Pittodrie soon ?⚽️ https://t.co/JnvLbzoE7o
— Niall McGinn (@nmcginn10) September 13, 2018
“There’s so many young kids out there that worship footballers, so it means so much when they do things like this.”
Meanwhile, another footballer who previously plied his trade at Pittodrie proved that his former teammate’s kindness was not a one-off.
Jonny Hayes, who now plays for Celtic, stepped in when he saw 11-year-old Calum McIvor being set upon by four youths in Glasgow.
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The winger made sure the Rangers fan got home safely and then sent him a letter and a signed Hoops shirt.
The former Dons favourite, who played in the north-east for five years after signing from Inverness, wrote: “Bullies aren’t worth your time. If you ever need anything at all I’m only five minutes up the road.”
Massive thank you to @AberdeenFC who arranged for Cameron to walk out with @nmcginn10 at today’s game! What a confidence boost for a wee fan! A day he won’t forget ⚽️❤️ #Aberdeenfc pic.twitter.com/6kZ7LRzeVL
— Ruth Dalgarno ❤️ (@RuthDx) September 22, 2018
Mum Jordan Forrest took to social media to thank the Parkhead player.
She wrote on Facebook: “He is chuffed to bits because he had only asked for his autograph and I told him not to get his hopes up on that because he’s a busy man.
“But for him to send his own signed top is absolutely amazing.
https://www.facebook.com/20jordanforrest12/posts/10160977659645038?__tn__=-R
“My son’s a Rangers fan, but when he opened that parcel and he read the note he was nearly crying.
“He was so happy he’s not stopped telling people and showing them what Jonny sent him.”
